U.S. patent application number 10/338340 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-17 for cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming sleeping position.
Invention is credited to Lee, Kwang-Ho.
Application Number | 20030131414 10/338340 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31499464 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030131414 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee, Kwang-Ho |
July 17, 2003 |
Cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming sleeping position
Abstract
Disclosed is a cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a
sleeping position. The cushion includes a cylindrical sponge, and
first, second and third driving motors placed in the sponge to
apply vibrations to a user. A controller controls the first, second
and third driving motors to generate the vibrations. The cushion
also has a cylindrical plastic frame having open ends so that one
end of the sponge is fixed in the frame, and an inner cover covers
the sponge and first and second molded bodies of the frame. A
vessel receiving a battery is inserted into an end of the frame,
and a cap covers an opening of the vessel and is equipped with an
input unit and a display unit of the controller. An aromatic case
is mounted to the cap and has an aromatic material therein for
releasing the aroma, and an outer cover covers the inner cover and
the frame. A warming or cooling sheet, having pockets sewn on an
internal surface thereof to accommodate hot or cold packs, is
detachably (mounted to an external surface of the outer cover for
emitting warmth or coolness. The user lies on his or her side while
wrapping the arms and legs around the cushion or holds the legs on
the cushion, whereby the spine of the user becomes straight and
blood circulation is improved, thus reforming the sleeping position
and recovering from fatigue.
Inventors: |
Lee, Kwang-Ho; (Kyonggi-do,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
M. Arthur Auslander, Esq.
Auslander & Thomas
505 Eighth Avenue
New York
NY
10018-6505
US
|
Family ID: |
31499464 |
Appl. No.: |
10/338340 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/632 ; 5/421;
5/641; 5/915 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/105 20130101;
A61M 2021/0016 20130101; A61H 2201/5007 20130101; A61H 2201/0207
20130101; A61H 23/0263 20130101; A61M 2021/0022 20130101; A61H
2201/0257 20130101; A47C 20/021 20130101; A47C 20/023 20130101;
A47C 31/005 20130101; A61H 2201/0214 20130101; A61M 21/00 20130101;
A61H 2201/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/632 ; 5/641;
5/915; 5/421 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 11, 2002 |
KR |
2002-959 |
Jul 31, 2002 |
KR |
2002-22998 |
Aug 14, 2002 |
KR |
2002-24362 |
Dec 18, 2002 |
KR |
2002-81469 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping
position, comprising: a cylindrical sponge having a predetermined
length; first, second and third driving motors placed in the sponge
to apply vibrations to the body of a user for relieving fatigue; a
controller for controlling the first, second and third driving
motors to cause the motors to generate the vibrations; a
cylindrical plastic frame produced through a molding process and
having open ends so that one end of the sponge is inserted into and
fixed in the plastic frame; an inner cover covering the sponge and
first and second molded bodies of the plastic frame; a vessel
inserted into an end of the plastic frame and receiving a battery
therein; a cap covering an opening of the vessel and equipped with
an input unit and a display unit of the controller; an aromatic
case mounted to the cap and having an aromatic material therein for
releasing the aroma of the aromatic material; and an outer cover
covering the inner cover and the plastic frame.
2. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein said controller
comprises a microprocessor controlling operations of the motors;
the battery applying power required for operating the motors; the
input unit inputting instructions of the user to the
microprocessor; the display unit displaying instructions of the
user inputted by the input unit and a charged state of the battery;
first, second and third drive units outputting drive signals so
that at least one of the first, second and third driving motors is
selectively driven for a predetermined time period in response to a
control signal outputted from the microprocessor when a manual
button of the input unit is operated; and a DC power jack applying
DC power from an external power source for charging the battery and
applying power required for operating the motors to the
microprocessor.
3. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein said input unit
comprises a power button applying electric power to the
microprocessor and the first, second and third driving motors; a
manual button inputting instructions of the user to the
microprocessor for manually controlling the first, second and third
driving motors to operate the motors for a predetermined time
period; a strong button inputting an instruction of the user for
generating a strong vibration from the first, second and third
driving motors; and a weak button inputting an instruction of the
user for generating a weak vibration from the first, second and
third driving motors.
4. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein said display unit
comprises a power display lamp showing power applied to the
microprocessor and the first, second and third driving motors upon
switching-on of a power button of the input unit; a manual mode
display lamp showing power applied to the microprocessor and a
manual control mode for the first, second and third driving motors
upon switching-on of a manual button of the input unit; and a
liquid crystal display showing a charged state of the battery.
5. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein said inner cover is
formed in the shape of a bag, comprising an internal layer of gauze
and an external layer of a fabric coated with ceramic powders
generating anions sewn together.
6. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein one end of said inner
cover is wrapped around an open end of the second molded body of
the plastic frame to be inserted into said open end and clamped by
a clamp, thereby being locked to the plastic frame.
7. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein said aromatic case
has a plurality of holes formed on a lid covering an opening
thereof, with an opening ratio of the holes being regulated by a
slide plate slidably mounted to an inner side of the lid to control
a release rate of the aroma, and said cap is provided with a slot
to open and close the lid.
8. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein the outer cover is
made of a woven fabric material which is easily washable and
exhibits a desired softness.
9. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein the outer cover is
made of hemp cloth or nonwoven fabric for use in summer.
10. The cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein the outer cover is
made of wool or synthetic fiber for use in winter.
11. A cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping
position, comprising: a cylindrical sponge having a predetermined
length; first, second and third driving motors placed in the sponge
to apply vibrations to the body of a user for relieving fatigue; a
controller for controlling the first, second and third driving
motors to cause the motors to generate the vibrations; a
cylindrical plastic frame produced through a molding process and
having open ends so that one end of the sponge is inserted into and
fixed in the plastic frame; an inner cover covering the sponge and
first and second molded bodies of the plastic frame; a vessel
inserted into an end of the plastic frame and receiving a battery
therein; a cap covering an opening of the vessel and equipped with
an input unit and a display unit of the controller; an aromatic
case mounted to the cap and having an aromatic material therein for
providing the aroma of the aromatic material; an outer cover
covering the inner cover and the plastic frame; and a warming or
cooling sheet having a plurality of pockets sewn on an internal
surface thereof for accommodating hot or cold packs, and being
detachably mounted to an external surface of the outer cover for
emitting warmth or coolness to a user.
12. The cushion as defined in claim 11, wherein said warming or
cooling sheet comprises a multi-layered fabric sheet; the pockets
sewn on an innermost waterproof fabric layer of the multi-layered
fabric sheet, with a slit formed in each of the pockets; the hot or
cold packs releasably placed into the pockets through the slits and
emitting warmth or coolness to a user; a Velcro fastener comprising
hook and pile pieces having a predetermined width and respectively
mounted along the internal surface of a first longitudinal edge of
the fabric sheet and an external surface of a second longitudinal
edge of the fabric sheet for detachably attaching the warming or
cooling sheet to the outer cover; and a plurality of elastic bands
mounted at regular intervals to the internal surface of the fabric
sheet in a latitudinal direction so that the outer cover is held
firmly in place.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to a cushion for relieving
fatigue and reforming a sleeping position, whereby a user has a
good sleep while being massaged upon going to sleep, thus easily
relieving his or her fatigue and correcting his or her abnormal
sleeping position.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] In general, since a person sleeps using only beddings and a
pillow, thereby assuming an abnormal sleeping position for a
considerable period of time, he or she suffers from muscle pain and
does not have a good sleep, thus not recovering from his or her
fatigue. In addition, accumulated fatigue causes the sleeping
position to be poor.
[0005] With a view to overcoming the above problems, people have
tried other sleeping positions. For example, a person elevates his
or her legs on a certain support, such as a pillow or a chair, or
lies on his or her side while a pillow is held in his or her arms.
However, the person feels hot in summer by holding a pillow in his
or her arms or legs, and since the size of the pillow is typically
small, the effects of relieving fatigue and reforming the sleeping
position are not achieved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, the present invention has an object of solving
the problems encountered in the prior art and providing a cushion
for relieving fatigue of a user and reforming the user's sleeping
position, by which the user lies on his or her side while wrapping
his or her arms and legs around the cushion, thereby maintaining
the spine of the user in a straight position.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position,
which is advantageous in terms of promotion of blood circulation
and massaging effect by applying mechanical vibrations from the
cushion placed under the legs of the user to the user.
[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping
position, whereby the user has a good sleep.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position,
having a simple cushion structure and a low manufacturing cost.
[0010] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a cushion for recovering from fatigue and reforming a
sleeping position which can be easily maintained and mended.
[0011] In accordance with a primary embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a cushion for relieving fatigue and
reforming a sleeping position comprising a cylindrical sponge
having a predetermined length; first, second and third driving
motors placed in the sponge to apply mechanical vibrations to the
body of a user for relieving fatigue; a controller for controlling
the first, second and third driving motors to generate the
mechanical vibrations; a cylindrical plastic frame produced through
a molding process and having open ends so that one end of the
sponge is inserted into and fixed in the plastic frame; an inner
cover covering the sponge and first and second molded bodies of the
plastic frame; a vessel inserted into an end of the plastic frame
and receiving a battery therein; a cap covering an opening of the
vessel and equipped with an input unit and a display unit of the
controller; an aromatic case mounted to the cap and having an
aromatic material therein for supplying the aroma of the aromatic
material; and an outer cover covering the inner cover and the
plastic frame.
[0012] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a cushion for relieving fatigue and
reforming a sleeping position, comprising a cylindrical sponge
having a predetermined length; first, second and third driving
motors placed in the sponge to apply mechanical vibrations to the
body of a user for relieving fatigue; a controller for controlling
the first, second and third driving motors to generate the
mechanical vibrations; a cylindrical plastic frame produced through
a molding process and having open ends so that one end of the
sponge is inserted into and fixed in the plastic frame; an inner
cover covering the sponge and first and second molded bodies of the
plastic frame; a vessel inserted into an end of the plastic frame
and having a battery therein; a cap covering an opening of the
vessel and equipped with an input unit and a display unit of the
controller; an aromatic case mounted to the cap and having an
aromatic material therein for releasing the aroma of the aromatic
material; an outer cover covering the inner cover and the plastic
frame; and a warming or cooling sheet having a plurality of pockets
sewn on an internal surface thereof for accommodating hot or cold
packs, and being detachably mounted to an external surface of the
outer cover for emitting warmth or coolness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a cushion
for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according
to a primary embodiment of the present invention, before being
covered with an outer cover;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the
cushion according to the present invention with the outer cover
covering the cushion;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of the cushion shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing
a plastic frame used in the cushion according to the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the
portion taken along an arrow A-A shown in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a controller
of the cushion according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cushion for relieving
fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the portion
taken along an arrow B-B shown in FIG. 7; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a warming
or cooling sheet separated from the cushion of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a cushion for
recovering from fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according
to a primary embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
the attached drawings.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, there is schematically shown an outer
cover-removed cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a
sleeping position according to a primary embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows the cushion according to the
present invention with the outer cover covering the cushion. In
addition, FIG. 3 shows a front view of the cushion shown in FIG. 1,
and FIG. 4 schematically shows an exploded frame of the cushion
according to the present invention. Further, a longitudinal
cross-section of the portion taken along an arrow A-A shown in FIG.
2 is presented in FIG. 5, and a controller of the cushion is
illustrated in FIG. 6 as a block diagram.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the cushion for relieving
fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according to the primary
embodiment of the present invention comprises a cylindrical sponge
11 having a predetermined length, first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 placed in the sponge 11 to apply mechanical
vibrations to the body of a user, a controller 20 for controlling
the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 to cause
the motors to generate the mechanical vibrations, and a cylindrical
plastic frame 40 produced through a molding process and having open
ends so that one end of the sponge 11 is inserted into and fixed in
the plastic frame 40. In addition, the cushion further comprises an
inner cover 50 covering the sponge 11 and first and second molded
bodies 42 and 44 of the plastic frame 40, a vessel 60 inserted into
an end (left side in FIG. 5) of the plastic frame 40 and receiving
a battery 22 therein, and a cap 70 covering an opening of the
vessel 60 and equipped with an input unit 23 and a display unit 24
of the controller 20. An aromatic case 80 is mounted to the cap 70
and has an aromatic material therein for releasing the aroma of the
aromatic material, and an outer cover 90 covers the inner cover 50
and the plastic frame 40.
[0026] As presented in FIG. 6, the controller 20 includes a
microprocessor 21 controlling operations of the motors, the battery
22 applying power required for operating the motors, the input unit
23 inputting instructions of the user to the microprocessor 21, and
the display unit 24 displaying instructions of the user inputted by
the input unit 23 and a charged state of the battery 22. Further,
the controller 20 includes first, second and third drive units 25,
26 and 27 outputting drive signals so that at least one of the
first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 is selectively
driven for a predetermined time period in response to a control
signal outputted from the microprocessor 21 when a manual button
23B of the input unit 23 is operated. The controller also includes
a DC power jack 100 applying DC power from an external power source
for charging the battery 22 and applying power required for
performing the operations of the motors to the microprocessor
21.
[0027] The input unit 23 is comprised of a power button 23A
applying electric power to the microprocessor 21 and the first,
second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35, and the manual
button 23B inputting instructions of the user to the microprocessor
21 for manually controlling the first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 to operate the motors for a predetermined time
period. In addition, the input unit 23 includes a strong button 23C
inputting an instruction of the user for generating a strong
vibration from the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34
and 35, and a weak button 23D inputting an instruction of the user
for generating weak vibration from the first, second and third
driving motors 33, 34 and 35.
[0028] The display unit 24 comprises a power display lamp 24A
displaying power applied to the microprocessor 21 and the first,
second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 upon switching-on of
the power button 23A of the input unit 23. The display unit 24 also
includes a manual mode display lamp 24B displaying power applied to
the microprocessor 21 and a manual control mode for the first,
second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 upon switching-on of
the manual button 23B of the input unit 23, and a liquid crystal
display 24C showing a charged state of the battery 22.
[0029] The inner cover 50 is formed in the shape of a bag with one
opened side, comprising an inner gauze layer and an outer fabric
layer coated with ceramic powders generating anions sewn together.
One end of the inner cover 50 is wrapped around an open end of the
second molded body 44 of the plastic frame 40 to be inserted into
the open end and clamped by a clamp 46, thereby being locked to the
plastic frame 40.
[0030] Additionally, the aromatic case 80 has a plurality of holes
82a formed on a lid 82 covering an opening thereof, with an opening
ratio of the holes 82a being regulated by a slide plate 84 slidably
mounted to an inner side of the lid 82 to control a release rate of
the aroma. Also, the cap 70 is provided with a slot 72 to open and
close the lid 82.
[0031] Preferably, the outer cover 90 is made of a woven fabric
which is easily washable and has a desired softness. For instance,
with the aim of keeping cool in summer, the outer cover 90 is made
of hemp cloth or nonwoven fabric. Meanwhile, the outer cover 90 is
made of materials retaining warmth, such as wool or synthetic
fiber, for use in winter.
[0032] In the present invention, it is preferred that an eccentric
motor is used as the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34
and 35.
[0033] In the drawings, the numeral 74 designates bolts for locking
the cap 70 to the vessel 60, and the numeral 92 indicates a string
fastening an open end of the outer cover 90 at the outside of the
cap 70.
[0034] Thereafter, functions and effects of the cushion for
relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according to
the primary embodiment of the present invention are described.
[0035] Upon going to bed, the user lies on his or her side while
encircling the cushion with his or her arms and simultaneously
wrapping his or her legs around the cushion. Then, when the power
button 23A and the weak button 23D mounted to the input unit 23 of
the controller 20 are switched-on, electric power is applied from
the battery 22 to the microprocessor 21 and the applied power is
displayed by the lighted power display lamp 24A (mainly using a
light emitting diode (LED)) of the display unit 24.
[0036] In such case, drive control signals are outputted from the
microprocessor 21 to the first, second and third drive units 25, 26
and 27 so that at least one of the first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 is sequentially driven by a control program
stored previously in the microprocessor 21 of the controller 20.
The first, second and third drive units 25, 26 and 27 which have
received the drive control signals outputted from the
microprocessor 21 output drive signals in order.
[0037] While the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and
35 are driven in response to drive signals outputted from the
first, second and third drive units 25, 26 and 27, weak, vibrations
are applied to the body of the user, thus massaging the body.
Thereby, the user feels rested due to promotion of blood
circulation. As well, the user becomes healthy due to skin massage.
Additionally, the aroma of the aromatic material mounted into the
aromatic case 80 is released through a plurality of the holes 82a
formed on the lid 82 covering the opening of the case 80. Thus, the
user may take a rest under a more pleasant relaxation or sleeping
atmosphere.
[0038] In addition, when the user simultaneously wraps his or her
arms and legs around the cushion, the spine of the user is
generally straightened, thus reforming the sleeping position.
Moreover, when the legs of the user are supported by the cushion,
blood circulation in the legs is improved, whereby the user fully
recovers from fatigue.
[0039] In a plurality of the holes 82a formed on the lid 82
covering the opening of the aromatic case 80, an opening ratio of
the holes 82a may be regulated while the slide plate 84 slidably
mounted to a back of the lid 82 is slid in left or right directions
as shown in FIG. 3, thus controlling a release rate of the
aroma.
[0040] The first driving motor 33, which is placed in the sponge
11, functions to massage the abdominal region of the user, and the
second driving motor 34 in the sponge 11 acts to massage the groin.
In addition, the third driving motor 35 is placed in the sponge 11
in order to massage the legs. Thereby, each body portion of the
user may be easily massaged for a predetermined time period (for
applying mechanical vibrations to the user, the above three driving
motors may be simultaneously or sequentially driven).
[0041] While weak vibrations are applied to the user by the first,
second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35, the strong button
23C of the input unit 23 may be switched-on, whereby the first,
second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 are operated to
generate strong vibrations in response to drive signals outputted
from the first, second and third drive units 25, 26 and 27.
[0042] When the manual button 23B of the input unit 23 is
switched-on, operation of the first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 is manually controlled. Such operating
condition is displayed by the lighted manual mode display lamp 24B
(LED) of the display unit 24. Also, in response to drive signals
outputted from the first, second and third drive units 25, 26 and
27 under control of the microprocessor 21, at least one of the
first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 may be driven
or all of the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35
may be simultaneously driven for a predetermined time period, thus
promoting recovery from fatigue and reforming the sleeping
position.
[0043] In case power charged to the battery 22 is completely
consumed, a plug of an adaptor which is not shown is inserted into
the DC jack 100, and DC power is applied to the microprocessor 21
and the battery 22. Thereby, under control of the microprocessor
21, at least one of the first, second and third driving motors 33,
34 and 35 may be driven or all of the first, second and third
driving motors 33, 34 and 35 may be simultaneously driven, and also
the battery 22 may be charged. When the battery 22 is replaced, a
cap 110 covering a battery-accommodating chamber is opened and a
spent battery may be easily replaced with a new battery.
[0044] In addition to using the cushion by holing it in arms of the
user and putting one leg over a lower portion of the cushion, the
cushion may be used as a support under the legs instead of a
pillow, and thus the user may take a rest.
[0045] When the cushion is used as a support under the legs of the
user, the heart and brain are positioned lower than the legs. Thus,
blood from the legs is easily circulated to the heart and brain,
and relief from fatigue may be further promoted.
[0046] Now, a description will be given of a cushion for relieving
fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according to a second
embodiment of the present invention, below.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 7, there is shown a cushion for
relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according to a
second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a
longitudinal cross-section of the portion taken along an arrow B-B
shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 schematically shows a warming or
cooling sheet separated from the cushion according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. As for description of the
cushion according to the second embodiment of the present
invention, the same numerals designate the same parts as the
cushion according to the primary embodiment of the present
invention, and the repeated description thereof is omitted.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the cushion for relieving fatigue
and reforming a sleeping position according to the second
embodiment of the present invention comprises a cylindrical sponge
11 having a predetermined length, first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 placed in the sponge 11 to apply mechanical
vibrations to the body of the user for relieving fatigue, and a
controller 20 for controlling the first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 to cause the motors to generate the mechanical
vibrations. The cushion also comprises a cylindrical plastic frame
40 produced through a molding process and having open ends so that
one end of the sponge 11 is inserted into and fixed in the plastic
frame 40, and an inner cover 50 covering the sponge 11 and first
and second molded bodies 42 and 44 of the plastic frame 40. A
vessel 60 is inserted into an end (left side in FIG. 8) of the
plastic frame 40 and accommodates a battery 22 therein, and a cap
70 covers an opening of the vessel 60 and is provided with an input
unit 23 and a display unit 24 of the controller 20. The cushion
further includes an aromatic case 80 mounted to the cap 70 and
having an aromatic material therein for supplying the aroma of the
aromatic material, and an outer cover 90 covering the inner cover
50 and the frame 40. A warming or cooling sheet 120, having a
plurality of pockets sewn on an internal surface thereof to
accommodate hot or cold packs, is detachably mounted to an external
surface of the outer cover 90 for emitting warmth or coolness to a
user.
[0049] The cushion according to the second embodiment of the
present invention is characterized by detachably attaching the
warming or cooling sheet 120 to the external surface of the outer
cover 90 of the cushion, different from the primary embodiment of
the present invention, for emitting warmth or coolness to the
user.
[0050] The warming or cooling sheet 120 includes a multi-layered
fabric sheet 121, and a plurality of the pockets 122 sewn on an
innermost waterproof fabric layer 121D of the multi-layered fabric
sheet 121, with a slit 122A formed in each of the pockets 122. The
hot or cold packs 123 are removably placed into the pockets 122
through the slits 122A and emit warmth or coolness to the user. In
addition, the sheet 120 is composed of a Velcro fastener comprising
hook and pile pieces 124A and 124B having a predetermined width and
respectively mounted along the internal surface of a first
longitudinal edge of the fabric sheet 121 and an external surface
of a second longitudinal edge of the fabric sheet 121 for
detachably attaching the warming or cooling sheet 122 to the outer
cover 90. A plurality of elastic bands 125 are mounted at regular
intervals to the internal surface of the fabric sheet 121 in a
latitudinal direction so that the outer cover 90 is elastically
compressed.
[0051] In the warming or cooling sheet 120, the multi-layered
fabric sheet 121 is composed of an outermost waterproof fabric
layer 121A for excluding moisture. An adiabatic nonwoven fabric
layer 121B is placed on the waterproof fabric layer 121A for
providing heat insulation, and a fiberglass layer 121C is layered
on the nonwoven fabric layer 121B for preventing deterioration of
the nonwoven fabric layer 121B. An innermost waterproof fabric
layer 121D is superimposed on the fiberglass layer 121C for
excluding moisture.
[0052] Functioning to fix the position of the hot or cold packs
123, a fastening unit 122B which is not shown in the drawings is
mounted to the slit 122A of each of the pockets 122, and is
exemplified by zipper, slide fastener, hook and pile pieces of
Velcro fastener, and fastening string.
[0053] Here, functions and effects of the cushion for relieving
fatigue and reforming a sleeping position according to the second
embodiment of the present invention are described below.
[0054] The user lies on his or her side while holding the cushion
in his or her arms and simultaneously wrapping one leg around a
portion of the cushion upon going to sleep, after which the power
button 23A and the weak button 23D mounted to the input unit 23 of
the controller 20 are switched-on. Thereby, electric power is
applied from the battery 22 to the microprocessor 21 and the
applied power is displayed by the lighted power display lamp 24A
(LED) of the display unit 24.
[0055] As such, drive control signals are outputted from the
microprocessor 21 to the first, second and third drive units 25, 26
and 27 by a control program stored previously in the microprocessor
21 of the controller 20, whereby at least one of the first, second
and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 is sequentially driven. The
first, second and third drive units 25, 26 and 27 which have
received the drive control signals from the microprocessor 21
sequentially output drive signals.
[0056] While the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and
35 are driven in response to drive signals outputted from the
first, second and third drive units 25, 26 and 27, weak vibrations
are generated and the body of the user is massaged. Thereby, blood
circulation is promoted and fatigue is relieved. As well, the user
becomes healthy due to skin massage. Further, the aroma of the
aromatic material mounted into the aromatic case 80 is released
through a plurality of the holes 82a formed on the lid 82 covering
the opening of the case 80. Thus, a pleasant relaxation or sleeping
atmosphere is ensured.
[0057] Moreover, when the user lies on his or her side while
encircling the cushion with his or her arms and wrapping his or her
legs around the cushion, the spine of the user becomes generally
straight, thus correcting the sleeping position. Also, blood
circulation of the legs is improved, whereby the user may recover
from fatigue.
[0058] As for the cushion according to the second embodiment of the
present invention, the warming or cooling sheet 120 emitting warmth
or coolness is detachably mounted to the external surface of the
outer cover 90. Hence, for use in summer, cold packs 123 stored in
a freezer are placed into the pockets 122 sewn on the internal
surface of the multi-layered fabric sheet 121, after which the
cooling sheet 120 is wrapped around and detachably attached to an
external surface of the outer cover 90. Then, the hook piece 124A
of the Velcro fastener having a predetermined width and mounted
along the internal surface of the first longitudinal edge of the
sheet 120 is attached to the pile piece 124B of the Velcro fastener
having a predetermined width and mounted along the external surface
of the second longitudinal edge of the sheet 120.
[0059] When the pile piece 124B of the Velcro fastener attached
along the external surface of the longitudinal edge of the warming
or cooling sheet 120 is combined with the hook piece 124A of the
Velcro fastener attached along the internal surface of the
longitudinal edge of the sheet 120, the elastic bands 125 mounted
at regular intervals to the internal surface of the warming or
cooling sheet 120 are tightly fitted to the outer cover 90 while
firmly holding the cushion in place.
[0060] In the warming or cooling sheet 120, the hot or cold packs
123 emitting warmth or coolness are releasably placed into the
pockets 122 formed on the innermost waterproof fabric layer 121D of
the fabric sheet 121. For instance, a cooling sheet 120 provided
with cold packs 123 is wrapped around the cushion, and the user
holds such a cushion in his or her arms and puts one leg over a
lower portion of the cushion. Thereby, coolness by the cold packs
123 placed in the pockets 122 of the cooling sheet 120 is emitted
to the body of the user, thus relieving fatigue while refreshing
the user in summer. Also, the spine of the user is maintained in a
straight position. The mechanical vibrations generated by driving
the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 are
applied to the body of the user, and thus the user may take an
enjoyable rest and may go to sleep, and also may reform his or her
sleeping position.
[0061] Meanwhile, hot packs 123 are placed into the warming sheet
120, and the user encircles the cushion covered with such a warming
sheet 120 with his or her arms and legs. Thereby, warmth is emitted
from the hot packs 123 placed in the pockets 122 of the warming
sheet 120 to the body of the user, whereby the user may recover
from fatigue while keeping himself or herself warm in winter. As
well, the spine of the user becomes straight, and the mechanical
vibrations generated by driving the first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 are applied to the body of the user. So, the
user may take an enjoyable rest and may go to sleep, and reform the
sleeping position.
[0062] The fabric sheet 121 of the warming or cooling sheet 120
blocks penetration of water by the outermost waterproof fabric
layer 121A, and blocks entrance and exit of heat by the adiabatic
nonwoven fabric layer 121B superimposed on the waterproof fabric
layer 121A. In addition, deformation of the adiabatic nonwoven
fabric layer 121B is prevented by the fiberglass layer 121C layered
thereon. The innermost waterproof fabric layer 121D placed on the
fiberglass layer 121C functions to prevent penetration of water. By
such a layered configuration, even though the hot packs 123 in the
pockets 122 of the warming sheet 120 are damaged, the user cannot
but get burned.
[0063] Each slit 122A of the pockets 122 is provided with a
fastening unit for fixing the position of the packs 123 which is
not shown and is exemplified by zipper, slide fastener, hook and
pile pieces of Velcro fastener, fastening string, as mentioned in
the primary embodiment of the present invention, whereby the
position of the packs 123 inserted into the pockets 122 of the
warming or cooling sheet 120 is fixed.
[0064] In a plurality of the holes 82a formed on the lid 82
covering the opening of the aromatic case 80, an opening ratio of
the holes 82a may be regulated while the slide plate 84 slidably
mounted to a back of the lid 82 is slid in left or right directions
as best seen in FIG. 3, thus controlling a release rate of the
aroma.
[0065] While weak vibrations are applied to the user by the first,
second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35, the strong button
23C of the input unit 23 is switched-on, whereby the first, second
and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 are operated to generate
strong vibrations in response to drive signals outputted from the
first, second and third drive units 25, 26 and 27.
[0066] When the manual button 23B of the input unit 23 is
switched-on, operation of the first, second and third driving
motors 33, 34 and 35 is manually controlled. Such operating
condition is displayed by the lighted manual mode display lamp 24B
(LED) of the display unit 24. Also, at least one of the first,
second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 may be driven or all
of the first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 may be
simultaneously driven for a predetermined time period in response
to drive signals outputted from the first, second and third drive
units 25, 26 and 27 under control of the microprocessor 21, thus
relieving fatigue and reforming the sleeping position of the
user.
[0067] After power charged to the battery 22 is completely
consumed, a plug of an adaptor which is not shown is inserted into
the DC jack 100 and DC power is applied to the microprocessor 21
and the battery 22. Thereby, at least one of the first, second and
third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 may be activated or all of the
first, second and third driving motors 33, 34 and 35 may be
simultaneously activated, and also the battery 22 may be charged,
under the control of the microprocessor 21. When the battery 22 is
replaced, a cap 110 covering a battery-accommodating chamber is
opened and a spent battery may be easily replaced with a new
battery.
[0068] The battery-accommodating chamber is formed at an inside of
the cap 70, but is not limited thereto. For instance, the
battery-accommodating chamber may be located opposite the cap 70
covering the above plastic frame 40, and further the DC jack 100
may be mounted to a location opposite the cap 70 covering the
plastic frame 40.
[0069] As described above, the present invention provides a cushion
for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position. The
cushion comprises a cylindrical sponge having a predetermined
length, and first, second and third driving motors placed in the
sponge to apply mechanical vibrations to the body of the user for
relieving fatigue. The cushion also includes a controller for
controlling the first, second and third driving motors to generate
the vibrations, and a cylindrical plastic frame produced through a
molding process and having open ends so that one end of the sponge
is inserted into and fixed in the plastic frame. An inner cover
covers the sponge and first and second molded bodies of the plastic
frame, and a vessel is inserted into an end of the plastic frame
and receives a battery therein. A cap covers an opening of the
vessel and is provided with an input unit and a display unit of the
controller. An aromatic case is mounted to the cap and has an
aromatic material therein for releasing the aroma of the aromatic
material. And an outer cover covers the inner cover and the frame.
A warming or cooling sheet, having a plurality of pockets sewn on
an internal surface thereof to accommodate hot or cold packs, is
detachably mounted to an external surface of the outer cover for
emitting warmth or coolness to the user.
[0070] Upon going to sleep or resting, the user lies on his or her
side while wrapping his or her arms and legs around the cushion of
the present invention, whereby the spine of the user may be
straightened, thus reforming the sleeping position of the user.
Further, when the user rests his or her legs on the inventive
cushion, blood circulation of the legs is improved by mechanical
vibrations generated from the first, second and third driving
motors. Therefore, the cushion of the present invention is
advantageous in terms of low manufacturing cost, simple structure,
easily reforming a sleeping position, providing a massaging effect,
and being easy to maintain and mend.
[0071] The present invention has been described in an illustrative
manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology used is
intended to be in the nature of description rather than of
limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore,
it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described.
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